Atlanta Falcons 3rd Round Rookie Ready To Show His Skills In Preseason Games
The Atlanta Falcons are generating buzz heading into the 2025 NFL season with a retooled roster, an inspired coaching staff, and a defense that’s evolving from promise to production. A significant part of that evolution is rookie safety Xavier Watts, who has already grabbed the attention of fans and coaches alike during training camp. This third-round draft pick out of Notre Dame brings a rare blend of athleticism, football IQ, and upside—all of which could make him an impact player for a Falcons defense craving playmakers.
With a preseason bout against the Detroit Lions on the horizon, Watts is prepared to show precisely why he belongs in the NFL. From his standout collegiate career to learning alongside All-Pro safety Jessie Bates, here’s how Xavier Watts is positioning himself as a key piece of Jeff Ulbrich’s defense in 2025.
Atlanta Falcons Xavier Watts: From College To The NFL
Dominating the College Game
When the Falcons selected Watts in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, they weren’t just taking a flyer on potential—they were bringing in proven production. The 23-year-old dominated at Notre Dame, where he racked up an impressive six interceptions in his final season. His knack for being in the right place at the right time didn’t go unnoticed, as he finished second in the NCAA in interceptions that year. Add in his sharp instincts and ability to read quarterbacks, and it’s no surprise he earned the nickname “X-Factor” from his college teammates.
Watts wasn’t just about highlight plays, though. His physicality in run support and versatility in coverage stood out. Whether lined up deep in a single-high safety role, deployed in the box, or shifted to nickel corner, Watts excelled across the board. His multi-faceted skill set made him a critical cog in the Fighting Irish’s defense and a natural fit for the NFL.
A Rookie Hungry for Opportunity
Despite a brief injury hiccup during training camp, Watts has wasted no time making his presence felt in Atlanta. His determination shines through in his comments, saying, “I’m ready to go out there and truly play fast.” That “play fast” mentality will undoubtedly be a key driver of his preseason reps, and it’s already won over some of his veteran teammates.
Xavier Watts’s work ethic and readiness to step onto the NFL stage underscore why the Falcons believe he can be much more than just a developmental player.
Learning From the Best in Jessie Bates
A Mentor in the Secondary
Every rookie dreams of having a mentor like Jessie Bates. The 2022 All-Pro safety, widely regarded as one of the NFL’s elite defensive backs, joined the Falcons in the 2024 offseason to provide stability and leadership to a young secondary. For Watts, having Bates in the fold has been nothing short of transformational.
“He’s All-Pro, the best safety in the NFL,” Watts said. “It’s awesome just being around him every day, seeing how he works, seeing how he learns.” Watts has taken a sponge-like approach to learning from Bates, studying his film habits, practice routines, and on-field techniques.
Bates’ influence can already be seen in how Watts is approaching his own development. From improving his pre-snap reads to fine-tuning his positioning, Watts is taking valuable lessons from one of the league’s most cerebral safeties.
A Dynamic Duo in the Making?
With Bates anchoring the back end of the defense, Watts has an ideal partner to complement his play style. Whereas Bates thrives as a rangy, ball-hawking safety, Watts’ physicality and versatility add a different dimension. Together, the two could form one of the NFL’s more balanced and dynamic safety tandems if Watts can live up to his potential.
Preseason Will Be a Crucial Test
Opportunity Knocks Against the Lions
The Atlanta Falcons’ preseason opener against Detroit serves as Watts’ first chance to make an impression under the bright lights. While practice reps are essential, it’s game action where players truly prove their worth, especially rookies trying to crack the starting lineup.
For Watts, Friday isn’t just about showing he belongs—it’s about making plays. Whether it’s baiting a quarterback into a bad throw, delivering a highlight-reel hit in run support, or covering a wide receiver stride-for-stride, Watts will be under the microscope.
Establishing Trust with Coaches
A strong showing in preseason could help Watts earn not just a roster spot but significant defensive snaps come Week 1. Coaches are watching closely to see which players they can rely on when the games start to count, and Watts has a golden opportunity to prove his readiness.
What’s Next for Xavier Watts?
Building Momentum
The path ahead is clear for Watts—stay healthy, soak up knowledge from Jessie Bates and the coaching staff, and keep stacking performances. If he can string together a few standout plays during the preseason, expectations for his rookie season could quickly shift from developmental depth to key contributor.
A Long-Term Building Block
Ultimately, the Atlanta Falcons took Xavier Watts because they saw a player who could be foundational for their defense. His physical tools, football IQ, and hunger to improve all paint the picture of a player poised to make an impact not just in 2025 but for many years to come.
With the preseason just beginning, Watts has plenty of opportunities to show Falcons fans—and the NFL at large—why he’s been dubbed the X-Factor. If his college career and early flashes in camp are any indication, Atlanta might have found the perfect piece to elevate their defense to the next level.
